Late Talker or Language Delay? What Parents Should Really Know

If you’ve ever wondered, “Should my child be talking more by now?” — you’re not alone. I hear this question often from worried parents trying to figure out whether their child is just a “late bloomer” or if it’s time to call in a speech therapist.

Let’s be honest: navigating milestones can feel like walking a tightrope between “don’t worry, they’ll catch up” and “what if they don’t?” 😬

So, let’s break down what it really means to be a late talker, when to seek help, and why early support (not panic!) makes all the difference.

🗣️ What Is a Late Talker?

A “late talker” is a child (typically 18–30 months old) who seems to be developing normally in every other way — motor skills, play, social connection — but isn’t using as many words as expected for their age.

👉 At 18 months, most kids say about 20–50 words.👉 By age 2, that number usually jumps to 200–300 words, and they start combining two words like “more juice” or “mama go.”

If your child is below those numbers but understands you, follows directions, and interacts socially — they might simply be a late talker. Some do catch up on their own. But here’s the catch: some don’t.

And that’s where we come in.

🧠 When a “Late Talker” Might Actually Have a Language Delay

Here’s the tricky part: not all late talkers stay late talkers. Some kiddos are actually showing early signs of a language delay, which means their communication skills are developing at a slower rate overall — not just late to start.

So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few signs that it’s time to check in with a speech-language pathologist (SLP):

• Your child doesn’t babble much or imitate sounds

• They rarely point or gesture to communicate

• They seem frustrated when trying to communicate

• Their understanding (comprehension) seems behind too

• You notice limited social engagement — not responding to name, avoiding eye contact, or seeming “in their own world”

No Google milestone chart can tell you exactly where your child will land — but an experienced SLP can help you see the bigger picture.

💡 Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Always the Best Plan

I get it. No one wants to overreact. But when it comes to communication, waiting to see can sometimes mean missing key developmental windows.

Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes for speech, language, literacy, and even social-emotional skills.

And here’s the good news: therapy doesn’t have to be scary or formal. It can look like play, connection, and everyday routines. (Yes, that means building towers, reading books, and talking during snack time all count as therapy in my world. 🍎)

🌱 What We Focus on at Rooted in Connection

At Rooted in Connection, we take a strengths-based, neuroaffirming approach to communication. That means we don’t focus on “fixing” kids — we focus on understanding them and giving them tools that fit how they learn best.

Our sessions look a lot like play — because play is how kids learn best. We work with parents to build natural opportunities for communication in everyday life, so therapy doesn’t stay stuck in a clinic room.

Because language isn’t just words — it’s connection. ❤️

✋ So… When Should You Get an Evaluation?

If your gut is telling you something feels off — listen to it. You don’t have to wait until your child is in preschool to get help.

It’s never too early to:

• Ask questions

• Get an evaluation

• Learn strategies you can use right away at home

Early support isn’t labeling — it’s empowering. The goal isn’t to diagnose your child with a “problem.” It’s to make sure they have what they need to thrive.

With you in the messy, beautiful middle,

Kayla

SLP, Mom, Hockey Fan, Plant Enthusiast & Advocate for Little Voices 🌿

P.S. If you’re wondering whether your child is just a “late talker,” that’s your sign to reach out. You don’t need to have it all figured out — that’s what I’m here for. 💬